Becker to retire from Dover council

DOVER — Maggie Becker has seen some big changes in her 33 years on the Dover City Council.

After multiple decades of public service, however, Becker has decided it’s time to let someone new into the seat. With her retirement from her daycare business 10 years ago, the decision will allow her more time at home with her husband, Don.

“Maybe now we can get a hot meal once and a while,” she said.

Becker’s decision to step down was partly inspired by the unprecedented participation in the 2011 Dover city elections. The season saw several newcomers challenge longtime incumbents for their seats. Given the stronger desire among Dover residents to have a hand in its management, she felt it was time to give up her seat.

“It’s time for some new blood,” she said.

However, her 33 years of public service have had an indelible impact on Dover’s development. After the town’s incorporation in 1988, Becker and other council members worked to create a stable sewer and water system, manage developments, oversee annexations and find a solution for the crumbling Dover Bridge.

The latter in particular proved a particularly dramatic process. In one memorable episode, Becker, Dover Mayor Randy Curless and former councilman Jim Janish each carried chunks of fallen asphalt from the bridge into the Idaho Transportation Department office and presented them to officials.

“That moment lives in the annals of ITD history,” said transportation information officer Susan Kiebert, who worked extensively with city officials on the Dover Bridge project.

When Becker first became involved in public service, it was unlikely she anticipated the long road ahead. At the time, she was simply trying to support her daycare.

“I had a daycare in Dover and didn’t have any water,” she said. “I was just trying to keep my business going.”

However, Becker stuck with the job. During her stint as a city official, she worked with five mayors and saw Dover increase dramatically in size. However, the initial vision for the city — a bedroom community free of commercial or industrial influence — stayed the same. Her favorite part about the job was simply interacting with the people of Dover.

“You end up meeting some pretty incredible people,” she said.

Now that Becker is stepping down, Curless will need to appoint her successor. According to Becker, the best thing her replacement can do is make the community a top priority.

“I just hope he or she will carry on and put their heart into it,” she said. “Get involved — don’t just go to one meeting a month and call yourself a councilperson.”

A party honoring Becker’s years of service will be held at Dover City Hall on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to attend.